HVWS Class of 2011 was a combined class, half are freshmen in college this year and the other half are about to embark on their college experience. We recently learned that at least half of them wrote about their HVWS experience in their college essay and were eager to share their HVWS stories with us.

Something Else You Should Know About Me:

I attended the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, a small private school that operates under the Rudolf Steiner educational philosophy. My time spent there, much of it as part of a class of only twelve children, was instrumental in the formation of the student and individual that I am today.

Waldorf school molded my mind into one that perceives all information holistically. Everything I learned there was taught with an entirely hands on-approach: My teachers engaged not only my mind but also my body and spirit into every lesson. This distinctive approach to education was pivotal to the shaping of my present day mind, one that is now able and hungry to make large scale connections not only in academic environments, but also in all environments where I exist as student and world citizen.

When it came time to leave the Waldorf school and enter public high school, I was unsure of what to expect. I discovered, however, that I was able to thrive in this new environment by integrating the values that I took from Waldorf. The different models of education complemented each other and provided me with a broader perspective. My Waldorf roots and my newly acquired public school lens analyze material differently, and the synthesis of these unique approaches has instilled in me open mindedness and progressive thinking.

The most important aspect of my time at the Waldorf school is that the intellectual perspective I gained while there has instilled a sense of responsibility within me; responsibility which, more importantly, allowed me to find purpose. Waldorf allowed me to view school as a tool that will aid me in fulfilling my purpose, and to find joy throughout that process.

For Noah's 8th Grade Graduation project he built and played two guitars (see photo). This past spring his band performed at our Spring Benefit. Noah, an accomplished musician, will attend Colorado College in the Fall. It is a small, highly selective liberal arts college; some describe it as Waldorf College!